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Welcome to Colorado!

The International Student

& Scholar Services staff

has provided this

guidebook to assist you

with your adjustment to

your new life in Colorado.

You may find it helpful to

read this brief guidebook

in its entirety or you may

find that only certain

sections pertain to your

situation.

The International Student & Scholar Services staff is here to assist you with your

transition and adjustment to your new life! Our main office is located at:

1380 Lawrence Street, 9th Floor, Suite 932, Denver, CO 80204.

To schedule an appointment to meet with an International Student or Scholar

Advisor between the hours of 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Monday – Friday, please visit

our online appointment scheduling system. You are also invited to visit our

website at International.ucdenver.edu\ISSS.

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TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN

COLORADO

There are many wonderful

things to see and do in this

state. The official site for

Colorado tourism is

www.Colorado.com.

STATE PARKS IN COLORADO

For detailed information about

Colorado State Parks please

visit www.parks.state.co.us.

NATIONAL FORESTS IN

COLORADO

For detailed information

about National Forests in

Colorado, please visit

www.fs.fed.us/r2 for a

complete list.

U.S. Classroom Culture

The U.S. classroom can be vastly different from those in other

countries. It is important to understand academic integrity in the

U.S. including cheating, plagiarism, etc. Generally, each professor

will have information regarding academic honesty in his/her syllabus.

Studying the syllabus and asking questions is essential. To learn

more about how to be successful in the U.S. Classroom, click here.

It is also important to understand terminology used in U.S.

universities. Terms such as GPA (grade point average) may not be

familiar. To learn about different terms you will need to know, click

on the following link: https://www.universitylanguage.com/guides/ NATIONAL PARKS AND

MONUMENTS IN COLORADO

For a complete list of National

Parks and Monuments, please

contact the National Park Service

Regional Headquarters at

303-969-2000.

WINTER SPORTS IN COLORADO

For detailed information about

skiing and snowboarding in

Colorado, please visit

www.skitripadvisors.com. Both

www.snow.com and

www.skicolorado.com provide

information regarding season

passes.

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RELIGION

You will find addresses and

telephone numbers for

Denver area churches,

synagogues, mosques, and

temples in the telephone

directory yellow pages. Those

practicing other faiths may

wish to seek out fellow

nationals who share their

religious practices and ask

how they practice their

religion in Denver.

CULTURAL ADJUSTMENT

It is always a challenge when arriving in a new

country. Becoming accustomed to a new culture can

take months. Feelings of homesickness, loneliness

and sometimes even questioning one’s purpose in

coming to the new country are common.

To combat these feelings, make efforts to befriend

local students and scholars. Find a cultural informant

who can share the differences you are experiencing

with you. Make sure to also spend time with

individuals from your home country and those from

other countries outside the U.S. Getting outside and

becoming more informed about the local culture can

help significantly. For more information on this topic,

click here.

SAFETY

It is important to understand who to call in the event

of an emergency. 911 is the emergency number for

the local police. You should dial this number if there is

a life-threatening emergency. However, on each

university campus, there will be campus police who

respond to issues taking place on campus including

rape, assault, robbery, etc. These crimes are very

serious and the authorities should be notified if such

an event is experienced or witnessed. To be notified

of issues on either the Downtown or Anschutz Medical

Campus, sign up for RAVE Alerts at this website.

We recommend programming these numbers into

your cell phone for ease of use.

To contact the Auraria Police on the Downtown

Campus: 303-556-5000

To contact the University of Colorado Police on the

Anschutz Medical Campus: 303-724-4444

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DRESSING FOR COLD WEATHER

Although Denver winters are relatively mild with

an average daily high temperature of 45 degrees

Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius), temperatures

often dip to 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-7 degrees

Celsius) or below. At night, temperatures are

often much lower than during the day. Also,

temperatures at higher elevations can be much

lower than in Denver.

To be comfortable when temperatures fall, wear

several layers of lighter clothing rather than one

or two very heavy layers. Several lightweight,

loose layers will keep you warmer than one

heavy layer because the air trapped between the

layers serves as insulation. Similarly, clothes with

a lining are warmer than unlined garments

because of the additional layer. Another

advantage to wearing several layers of clothing is

that they can be removed more easily indoors,

where rooms may be quite warm. Cotton

clothing does not keep warm when wet, so

synthetic fabrics or wool are best for cold

weather. HOLIDAYS

There are nine legal national holidays

in the U.S. New Year’s Day,

Independence Day, and Christmas

Day are celebrated on the same date

each year: January 1, July 4, and

December 25th. Thanksgiving is

celebrated on the last Thursday of

November. The other holidays are

observed on Mondays: Martin

Luther King Jr. Day (January);

President’s Day (February); Memorial

Day (May); Labor Day (September);

Columbus Day (October); and

Veterans Day (November). Many

businesses, schools, and all

government offices close in

observance of these holidays.

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ENTERTAINMENT IN COLORADO

The weekend section of The Denver Post

and the weekly edition of the Westword, a

free publication available throughout the

Denver metro area or on-line at

http://www.westword.com/, are useful

tools to keep abreast of activities in Denver

and the Front Range region.

SHOPPING

Denver shopping malls, where numerous stores

are located either in the same building or in

close proximity, include the Cherry Creek Mall,

at First Avenue and University Boulevard; the

Pavilions, on 16th Street downtown; and

Northfield Stapleton, at 8340 Northfield

Boulevard. There are many other malls in the

Denver metropolitan area including Park

Meadows in the southern suburbs, which you

can reach by Light Rail; and Flatirons Crossing,

halfway between Denver and Boulder. Outlet

malls offering discounted prices are located at

Colorado Mills, on West Colfax Avenue in

Lakewood; and in Castle Rock, Silverthorne, and

Loveland.

PREPARING FOR HIGH ALTITUDE

Denver is situated at a high altitude

of 5,280 feet (1609.3 meters) above

sea level. It is fairly common for

visitors not accustomed to living in

such a high altitude to suffer from

one or more symptoms of altitude

sickness during their first few days in

Denver. Some of these symptoms

include headaches, breathing

difficulties, dizziness, fatigue, nausea,

and loss of appetite.

To minimize this discomfort, you

should drink lots of water to prevent

dehydration and consume less

alcohol and caffeine. It is also a good

idea to avoid heavy exercise for the

first few days until your body adjusts

to the altitude. Remember that there

is a higher risk of sunburn at high

altitudes, so wear sunscreen to

protect your skin.

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OUTDOOR RECREATION AND TOURISM

Day Hikes

There are several areas close to Denver where you can go for all or part of a day and

hike around without spending much time in a car. A wide path dirt path runs next to the

High Line Canal, a waterway that winds through the Denver Metropolitan area. Along

the South Platte River is a paved path called the Platte River Greenway. It runs from C-

470 in Littleton to north Denver. The Cherry Creek Trail runs along Cherry Creek be-

tween the confluence of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River to south of the town of

Parker. Additional information can be found at https://www.denvergov.org/content/

denvergov/en/denver-parks-and-recreation/parks/trails/trail-detours.html

There are several nice areas for hiking in the foothills West of Denver. Red Rocks Park

and Amphitheater in Morrison is open to the public although you may not climb the rock

outcroppings. Mt. Falcon Park, part of Jefferson County Open Space, is west on Highway

285, then north on Parmalee Gulch Road. There are many trails in this park that is home

to a never-completed Presidential summer residence. White Ranch Park, part of Jeffer-

son County Open Space, is northwest of Golden off Highway 93 on Pine Ridge Road.

Several trails take you around the hills providing a nice overlook of the Denver area.

Picnic facilities and water are available at the both Mt. Falcon and White Ranch Parks.

Skiing, snowboarding and

snowshoeing are also popular sports

in Colorado during winter. Some of

the closest mountains and ski-resort

areas are:

Winter Park ; Keystone ; Arapahoe Basin; Copper ; Breckenridge; Loveland.

Vail, Beaver Creek and Steamboat Springs are also popular, however, they are a little further away from the others.

Most resorts offer discount season or 3 day passes for one or multiple locations, such as the Epic pass, Rocky Mountain Pass, etc. Ski and snowboard rentals also offer season rentals. Weekends are the busiest and can get you stuck in traffic. Arriving early at these locations is highly recommended.

These sports need special training and supervision. Hence, taking lessons before trying these sports is essential. Most resorts in Colorado offer such trainings.

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Unlawful drug-related convictions, including the use or possession of marijuana in any

amount or even marijuana paraphernalia, may lead to your deportation and removal

from the United States and also may prevent you from ever returning to the US in the

future. In addition, the state’s legalization of marijuana does not change existing

University of Colorado campus policies that prohibit the possession, use, and distribution

of unlawful drugs by students, employees, and all other visitors on university properties;

this includes marijuana.

The following information applies to retail marijuana only. These laws also apply at the

state level and universities may set their own rules and consequences.

It is a felony for anyone to give or sell to, or share marijuana with, anyone under 21.

You are allowed to buy retail marijuana only from licensed retail stores.

Colorado residents can buy up to 1 ounce of marijuana at a time.

Adults with an out-of-state ID can purchase up to a quarter-ounce at a time.

Adults may give up to 1 ounce of marijuana to another adult, but can’t sell marijuana.

Public use including smoking, vaping, and eating is illegal including on sidewalks,

parks, at concerts, businesses, and restaurants.

You can use marijuana on private property only; however hotels and apartment

owners may ban the use on their properties.

Employers can still test for marijuana and make employment decisions based on drug

test results.

Be aware that if you ever commit or admit to committing any offense that is in violation

of any state, federal or foreign law, you may be inadmissible to the United States. If you

have any questions, please contact ISSS@ucdenver.edu and we can refer you to an

immigration and/or criminal attorney.

ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES

Even though the retail sale and recreational use of

marijuana is legal in Colorado, international

students and scholars in any non-immigrant

category need to be aware that the immigration

consequences of use or possession of marijuana or

marijuana paraphernalia can be severe. This is

because marijuana use is still illegal under U.S.

federal law.

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F-2 STATUS

The F-1 student’s spouse or minor child (under the age of 21) enters the U.S. with F-2 status

and is admitted for the same length of time as the F-1 student. Other family members are

not eligible for F-2 status but may be eligible for B-2 classification to visit the USA as tourists.

Servants and nannies may be eligible for B-1 classification to accompany the family.

Study Options

An F-2 spouse may engage in study that is avocational or recreational and may also study in a

degree program part-time. An F-2 child may engage in full-time study if he or she is attending

an elementary or secondary school (kindergarten through twelfth grade). An F-2 spouse who

wants to engage in full-time study, or an F-2 child who wishes to attend college, must apply

for and obtain a change of status to F-1, M-1, or J-1 before starting his or her studies.

Work Permission

F-2s are not allowed to be employed for compensation.

Volunteer Options

Nothing in the regulations prohibits an F-2 from volunteering.

For a list of Colorado volunteer organizations seeking volunteers, please visit Metro

Volunteers at: www.metrovolunteers.org or Volunteer Match at www.volunteermatch.org.

Special Note about Children 21 Years of Age or Older

When F-2 children turn 21, they are no longer considered “children” under the immigration

laws of the U.S., and are therefore no longer eligible for F-2 status. To remain in the U.S.,

they must change to another nonimmigrant status, such as F-1, before their 21st birthday.

Section 2: Dependent VISA Categories (Information found in NAFSA Adviser’s Manual: 2010)

J-2 STATUS

An exchange visitor’s spouse or minor child (under the age of 21) enters the U.S. with J-2

status and is admitted for the same length of time as the J-1 student/scholar. Other

family members are not eligible for J-2 status but may be eligible for B-2 classification to

visit the USA as tourists. Servants and nannies may be eligible for B-1 classification to

accompany the family.

Study Options

A J-2 spouse or minor child is eligible to engage in part-time or full-time studies.

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Work Permission

A J-2 spouse may apply for an Employment Authorization Card (EAD) from United States

Citizenship and Immigration Services in order to be employed in the USA. Permission will be

granted only if the employment is sought for reasons other than supporting the J-1 exchange

visitor. Income from the J-2’s employment may be used to support his or her own or the family’s

customary recreational and cultural activities and related travel, among other things.

Extending Work Permission

A J-2 spouse or dependent child must file Form I-765 with all supporting documentation each time

an extension of employment is necessary. Since the EAD cannot be issued for longer than the

validity of the DS-2019, any necessary extension of stay of the J-1 should be processed prior to the

application for employment authorization.

Obtaining a Social Security Number

To apply for a social security number (SSN), the J-2 must first obtain his/her EAD card. Once the

J-2 has the card, s/he should request an updated offer letter from the employer noting his/her

current employment, and should bring his/her passport, I-94 and J-2 DS-2019 to the Denver office

of the Social Security Administration to apply for an SSN. A J-2 who does not have an EAD card is

not eligible for a social security number.

Income Tax Form

In order to choose the appropriate federal tax form, you must first determine whether you are

classified as a “resident alien for tax purposes” or a “non-resident alien for tax purposes.” Tax

forms and instructions are available at www.irs.gov.

Volunteer Options

Nothing in the regulations prohibits a J-2 from volunteering. For a list of Colorado volunteer

organizations seeking volunteers, please visit Metro Volunteers at: www.metrovolunteers.org or

Volunteer Match at www.volunteermatch.org.

212(e) Home Residency Requirement for J-2s

A waiver for a J-1 exchange visitor also covers J-2 dependents, unless those dependents have a

separate home residence requirement based on their own previous J-1 status. In some cases, a J-2

can get a waiver independently. Occasionally, a J-2 child can obtain a waiver if s/he marries or

turns 21, for example. For more information about the waiver process, please visit: http://

travel.state.gov/content/travel/en.html

Special Note about Children 21 Years of Age or Older

When J-2 children turn 21, they are no longer considered “children” under U.S. Immigration law,

and are therefore no longer eligible for J-2 status. To remain in the U.S., they must change to

another nonimmigrant status, such as F-1, before their 21st birthday.

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H-4 STATUS

The H-1B worker’s spouse or minor child (under the age of 21) enters the U.S. with H-4 status and is

admitted for the same length of time as the H-1B worker. The H-4’s status is contingent upon the

continued validity of the H-1B principal status.

Reminder: Extending or changing an H-1’s status does not automatically extend or change the status of

H-4 dependents!

Study Options

An H-4 spouse and/or minor child are eligible to engage in part-time or full-time studies. H-4 spouses

should weigh the benefits of maintaining their current status or changing status to F-1 student. H-4

dependents are not subject to the more stringent F-1 requirements but they are not eligible to work on

or off campus. Final note: H-4s are not eligible for paid internships through their academic programs

but may be eligible to participate if they wish to only earn academic credit.

Work Permission & Volunteer Options

Effective May 26, 2015, H-4 dependent spouses may apply for work authorization only if their H-1B

spouse is:

1. The principal beneficiary of an approved Form I-140; or

2. The principal beneficiary of either a PERM labor certification or an I-140 immigrant petition that was filed at least 365 days prior to the end of the sixth year of H1B status. It is not necessary for the PERM LC or the I-140 to have been approved for the H-4 spouse to be eligible under this rule.

Under the rule, eligible H-4 dependent spouses must file Form I-765, with supporting evidence and the required fee in order to obtain employment authorization and receive an EAD card. For more information, please visit: USCIS website on H-4 work authorization. You are also welcome to seek the services of an immigration attorney. Please visit this resource for information about working with an immigration attorney.

If the H-4 spouse does not qualify for work authorization under this new rule, H-4’s may not be employed for compensation. However, nothing in the regulations prohibits an H-4 from volunteering. Please keep in mind that organizations may have specific eligibility requirements for volunteers. For a list of Colorado volunteer organizations seeking volunteers, please visit Metro Volunteers at: www.metrovolunteers.org or Volunteer Match at www.volunteermatch.org.

Special Note about Children 21 Years of Age or Older

When H-4 children turn 21, they are no longer considered “children” under U.S. immigration law, and

are therefore no longer eligible for H-4 status. To remain in the U.S., they must change to another

nonimmigrant status, such as F-1.

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ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE PROGRAMS

ESL Academy

1050 17th Street

Suite A-300

Denver, Colorado 80265

303-315-2381

www.ucdenver.edu/academics/InternationalPrograms/OIA/esl

The ESL Academy offers an intensive academic English program to university-bound students on a

nonimmigrant visa. Mirroring the academic culture and rigor of the university, it provides innovative

instruction and cultural enrichment in an English-immersion environment. The curriculum integrates

English fluency, accuracy in written and oral expression, and content studies with the scholarly and

interpersonal skills required to be a successful CU Denver student.

Spring International Language Center

1600 Champa Street

Suite 400

Denver, Colorado 80202

303-534-1616

http://www.spring.edu/home.html

Emily Griffith Opportunity School

1250 Welton Street

Denver, Colorado 80204

720-423-4757

www.egos-school.com

Colorado School of English

331 14th Street, 3rd Floor

Denver, Colorado 80202

720-932-8900

www.englishamerica.com

Aurora Language Center The New America College

9202 E. Severn Place, Building 901, Room 105 925 S. Niagara Street

Aurora, Colorado 80230 Denver, CO United States 80224

303-340-7079 303-894-3193

www.ccaurora.edu/programs-classes/departments/esl http://www.newamericacollege.org/

Section 3: Educational Opportunities

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Bridge-Linguatec Language Services

915 S. Colorado Blvd.

Denver, CO United States 80246

303-777-7783 ext. 19

Homestay USA English Program

2848 South Acoma

Denver, CO United States 80110

760-251-3747

LCI Language Centers-Denver

2160 S. Clermont St.

Denver, CO United States 80222

720-974-0282

http://www.englishlci.com/

Colorado Heights University

3001 S Federal Blvd

Denver, CO United States 80236

303-937-4280

http://www.chu.edu/

Additional ESL resources in the Denver area can be found by visiting:

www.esl-guide.com/dir/colorado/

Credential Evaluation Agencies:

Global Connections, LLC

9400 E. Iliff Ave

Denver, Colorado 80231

303-750-7611

www.glconnections.com/

World Education Services

1 Battery Place

New York, New York 10004

www.wes.org

American Association of Collegiate Registrars & Admissions Officers (AACRAO)

1 Dupont Circle NW, Suite 520

Washington, DC 20036

www.aacrao.org/

Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.

PO Box 514070

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53203

www.ece.org

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Because many of you will enroll your children in Denver Public Schools, and because the Denver

Public School system is representative of the enrollment process at other public school districts in

the Denver metro area, we’ve included detailed information for that school district only.

However, there are many other school districts in the metro area in which to enroll your child.

These districts include Jefferson County Public Schools, Cherry Creek School District, Aurora Public

Schools, Adams County School District 50, Englewood Schools, and Littleton Public Schools. You

will find links to the websites for these districts under Additional Resources.

How to enroll your child in a Denver Public School:

1. Visit the Denver Public School in your neighborhood

Most students choose to enroll in the public school in their neighborhood. Start by calling your

neighborhood school to find out if it meets the needs of your child. If you need help locating the

public school nearest you, call the School Boundary Hotline at 720-423-3400, or search online by

entering your home address at www.dpsk12.org/boundary.

2.Explore open enrollment in a school outside of your neighborhood

First Round

If you are interested in a school other than your neighborhood school, the Choice program allows

you to apply for a transfer to a public school in another neighborhood. Electronic versions of

comprehensive school report cards are posted online from the “school profiles” link at

www.dpsk12.org. To better your chances of securing a place for your child in another school, you

need to return your completed enrollment forms by the end of January for the next school year,

which normally starts at the end of August. Choice forms are available at all schools beginning in

early January. Forms may be returned to any school. DPS will hold a lottery if there are more

applicants than space available in a school. Families will receive acceptance letters or waiting list

notification by mid-February.

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Second Round

After the end of January you will need to return Choice forms to the specific school or

schools that interest you. Choice forms must be completed and returned by the end

of August. Students are enrolled during this second round of the Choice process on a

first-come, first-served basis. Waiting lists are maintained for schools with more

applicants than space available.

A Note about Transportation and the Choice Program

Transportation to another neighborhood school is not provided through the Choice

program. However, transportation to magnet schools is provided in most cases. If

your child attends a Title I school that has been rated unsatisfactory, you have the

option to enroll in another school in the district, and transportation may be provided

if you apply for it. In all other cases, you must provide your own transportation to a

school you select through the Choice program.

3. Choose a magnet school or the Highly Gifted Magnet Program

Magnet schools may emphasize a particular style of learning or serve students with a

common area of interest. Some magnet schools are located within another school.

Others make up the entire school. Transportation generally is provided to designated

sites, but is subject to general district guidelines.

Each magnet school manages its own application process. Ask for application

information from the magnet school that interests you. The deadline for all middle

and high school magnet applications is December of the previous year. The deadline

for all elementary school magnet applications is the end of January.

The district provides the Highly Gifted Magnet Program for first- through eighth-grade

students with extraordinary academic needs, abilities and potential and an Advanced

Kindergarten Program. Note that the deadline for all 2009-2010 kindergartens,

elementary and middle gifted and talented magnet applications is mid-December of

the previous year. Applications are available in schools, online at www.dpsk12.org or

from the Gifted and Talented Education Department at 720-423-8272.

4. Consider charter schools or other schools

DPS offers charter schools and other choices such as the Rocky Mountain School of

Expeditionary Learning and online education. Charter schools manage their own

applications.

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5. What you’ll need

If you are enrolling for the first time in Denver Public Schools, you will need to bring:

Verification of your child’s date of birth (birth certificate or other documentation)

Your child’s immunization records

Proof of your home address (something mailed to your address, such as a utility bill, or a copy

of your lease)

Name and address of your child’s previous school (if you are transferring from another school

district) so that the new school district can request your child’s academic records.

Before school starts in the fall, new and returning students are asked to register with schools and

verify personal information on file. Some schools will send home information for families to verify

and return. If you do not receive information at home, elementary students should visit their

school the week before school starts to register. Students moving to middle or high schools must

register at their new school. Registration for middle and high school students is in early August.

Children attending on a transfer that expires at the end of the school year must re-enroll. If you

would like more information about registration, call your school’s information line.

Age Requirements

On or before October 1, your child must be:

4 years old for early childhood education

5 years old for kindergarten

6 years old for first grade

Additional Resources:

Denver Public Schools

www.dpsk12.org

List of schools (contact information and school website links)

https://www.dpsk12.org/schoollist/

Important information for parents, district resources, school reports, selecting a

school, district information, and community resources

www.dpsk12.org/parents

Gifted & Talented Program

gt.dpsk12.org

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List of private schools in Denver

www.kristalsellsdenver.com/denver_private_schools.htm

List of charter schools in Denver

http://coloradoleague.org/search/custom.asp?id=2524

Jefferson County Public Schools

www.jeffcopublicschools.org

Cherry Creek School District

www.cherrycreekschools.org

Aurora Public Schools

www.aurorak12.org

Adams County School District 50

www.adams50.org

Englewood Schools

www.englewoodschools.org

Littleton Public Schools

www.littletonpublicschools.net

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Child Care in USA

Almost 11 million children under age 5 are cared after by child care providers, because their

parents are working. These children spend an average of 36 hours a week in child care, and a

much higher number are in multiple child care.

Research has continually illustrated the importance of quality early experiences in achieving

good health, especially within the most vulnerable populations. Families, child care provid-

ers and state and federal policymakers share responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of

children while they are in child care settings. Basic state requirements and oversight help lay

the foundation necessary to protect children and promote their healthy development while in

child care.

Some findings from child care agencies, reports, state surveys and national polling are:

1. Child care is expensive

2. Quality child care needs to begin early

3. The quality of care varies widely by state

4. Child care providers needs to receive adequate training

5. Child care providers should be paid livable wages

6. Child care needs to be accessible to a linguistically and culturally diverse population

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Houses for rent are usually located through real estate agents or through personal contacts with

landlords or with renters who are vacating a house.

Apartments

Monthly rents for efficiency apartments/studios range from $500-$1000 per month. One-

bedroom apartments range from $1000-1500 per month and two-bedrooms can range from

$1500-2500.

Tips on Finding Vacant Houses & Apartments for Rent

Be aware that some apartment complexes will ask for your social security number. This

should not be required, but it is to verify credit. You may tell them that you are not eligible for

one yet.

Check classified ads in The Denver Post, the Denver area’s local newspaper, at

www.denverpost.com/.

Search online websites such as www.craigslist.com, www.rent.net, or www.apartments.com

Search the area where you want to live by car or on foot, and look for “Vacancy” and “For

Rent” signs. These signs will include a contact telephone number and may provide other

details about the property, such as price and the number of bedrooms.

At apartment complexes, ask for information in the leasing office. If there is no office on the

premises, write down the manager’s telephone number and call to set up an appointment.

Look for apartment rental publications like The Apartment Guide and The Rent Guide. These

guides can usually be found in grocery and convenience stores.

Use a free apartment referral service listed in the telephone book called the “yellow pages.”

You should never pay for this service.

Some apartments where students have chosen to live in Denver :

http://www.axisninemilestation.com/ http://www.frenchquarterapartmenthome.com/

http://www.21fitzsimons.com/

http://www.willmax.net/the_overlook.asp

Section 4:

Finding Housing

HOUSES

Rent for houses ranges from approximately

$1,500 to $3,000 per month, depending on

size, location, furnishings, and the general

condition of the house.

http://www.alexancitycenter.com/

http://regencystudenthousing.com/

http://www.aurariastudentlofts.com/

http://www.campusvillagedenver.com/

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All About Renting:

The Lease

A lease is a written agreement between a tenant and landlord, describing the rights and

responsibilities of each. It is a binding legal document, which, among other things, makes the

tenant responsible for minimal care of the rented property and for the monthly rent of a stated

amount for a stated period of time. It specifies the landlord’s responsibilities for

maintenance and repair of the housing unit. A lease may or may not contain provisions

concerning early termination.

Utilities

Find out the utilities that you are responsible for setting up and paying for and which utilities

will be paid by the landlord. Generally, the tenant is responsible for electricity, telephone, and

cable. The tenant may also be responsible for natural gas, depending on how the property is

heated, and whether gas is used for cooking. The landlord often pays for water, sewer, and

garbage collection. Ask the landlord or a current tenant what the average monthly costs are

for the utilities you will have to pay, and keep in mind that utility costs must be added to rent

to calculate your total monthly housing cost.

Responsibility to Maintain Habitability Standards

The Colorado landlord-tenant laws, along with Denver housing codes, guarantee minimal

habitability standards in rented rooms and apartments. Landlords are required to provide

adequate winter heating and regular insect control. If you make any special agreements with

the landlord concerning repairs or alterations, make sure those agreements are written into the

lease, signed, and dated. (Although a verbal agreement may be enforceable, Americans

generally consider it essential to have important agreements written down and signed).

Move-In Checklist

Before signing a lease and moving into an apartment or house, you should complete a move-in

inspection form or move-in checklist. This checklist is a written document that describes in

detail the condition of each room, and includes furniture, floor coverings, window treatments,

lighting fixtures, and appliances. Be sure to record anything that needs repair, is worn, or is

damaged so that you will not be charged for previously existing damages when you move out.

The completed move-in checklist must be signed both by you and your landlord, and you

should keep a copy with your other important papers.

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Damage/Security Deposits

Customarily, tenants must pay a damage or security deposit when first renting an apartment or

house, usually at the time of signing the lease. The security deposit can amount to as much as two

months’ rent. When the tenant moves out, the landlord can keep part or all of the deposit to pay

for damages caused by the tenant, unpaid utility bills, unpaid rent, and necessary cleaning. The

landlord may not keep the deposit to cover normal wear and tear. Colorado state law requires the

landlord to return the deposit within 30 days after the tenant moves out. If the landlord does not

return all of your deposit, he or she should give you a written statement within 30 days explaining

why some or all of the deposit was withheld. Be sure to leave a forwarding address so the

landlord can send you your deposit.

Paying Rent

If you do not pay the rent within the time period specified in the lease, you can be forced to move

out (evicted). Only a police officer can serve an eviction notice; the landlord cannot simply

demand that a tenant move out without proper authorization.

Restrictions and Exclusions

Many restrictions and exclusions may be included in a lease. Common restrictions concern

children and animals kept as pets. Many landlords do not permit pets. Those that do often

require an extra security deposit to cover any damages that the pet may cause.

Help with Landlord-Tenant Disputes and Issues

Any questions about the meaning of a lease can be directed to Jefferson County’s Tenant-Landlord

Counseling Program (you do not have to reside in Jefferson County to seek answers to common

questions). The Tenant/Landlord Counseling Program allows tenants to speak to qualified

volunteers with questions about tenant or landlord rights and obligations under Colorado law. Its

services are free and are recommended in any case where you do not understand the terms of a

lease you have been asked to sign, or where you are having disagreements with a landlord. For

more information regarding the Center’s services, please call them at 303-237-7704 or visit their

website at http://theactioncenterco.org/client-services/tenantlandlord-counseling-2.

Another organization that provides free services concerning landlord-tenant issues is Community

Housing Services, Inc. CHSI holds walk-in hours from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through

Friday, or you can call them at (303) 831-1750. Please visit their website at http://

www.chsico.org/rental_info.htm for more information. Their publications include Know Your

Rights: The Colorado Guide for Tenants and Landlords. This guide describes the laws in Colorado

as they apply to landlord/tenant relationships and includes citations from statutes and case law.

The cost of the guide is, as of December 2012, $14.00 if you pick it up at their location and $18.00

if you order it by mail. To learn general information about tenant rights, click on the link below:

http://coloradoaffordablelegal.com/Tenant_Rights_Helpline.html

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Renting Without a Lease

Some landlords do not require you to sign a lease. This has some advantages, the most

obvious of which is that you may vacate by giving the landlord 30 days’ written notice. On the

other hand, there are disadvantages to not having a written agreement. One of the things a

lease does is to prevent the landlord from raising the rent for the duration of the lease.

According to the standard lease, the landlord must also maintain the unit and be responsible

for any repairs on structural elements or the appliances he or she provides (this includes

plumbing, heating, stove, refrigerator, etc.). Without a lease, the tenant does not have these

guarantees, although the landlord must meet certain “habitability standards” even if the

lease is not in writing. The landlord, like the tenant, can end a verbal rental agreement by

providing 30 days’ written notice to the tenant.

Renter’s Insurance

If you will be renting, we encourage you to consider purchasing “renter’s insurance” ( similar

to “homeowner’s insurance”) to protect yourself against losses caused by fire, theft, or

vandalism. Renter’s insurance covers personal belongings in your room or apartment, as well

as those in your car if you have one. It also covers damages for which you are held

responsible and would be legally liable if a fire or other accident damaged the building where

you rent and/or the property of other renters in your building. The cost of renter’s insurance

varies depending on the value of your personal possessions, but is relatively inexpensive.

Before you buy insurance, you should get rate information from two or three different

insurance agents. You can find agents’ names and telephone numbers in the telephone

directory yellow pages under “Insurance” or by searching the Internet.

Off-Campus Housing Guide:

For additional information about off-campus housing review our Off-Campus Housing Guide.

Utilities:

Once you have found a house or apartment to rent, you may need to arrange for utilities such

as gas, electricity, and cable. Xcel Energy of Colorado provides gas (used for heating, cooking,

or both) and electricity. Xcel Energy can be reached by calling (303) 571-7511 during regular

business hours, or by visiting their office at 1225 17th Street in Denver. Individuals that do not

have a Social Security Number will have to pay a deposit before receiving service. If you do

not pay your bill on time, Xcel may require you to pay a deposit every time you move to a new

location.

To order cable service, you can call Comcast at 1-866-942-1341. You can also visit the

Comcast website at www.comcast.com to order service or to find additional information

about available services and prices.

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PHONE SERVICE

Cell Phones

If you do not have a Social Security Number, your options for getting a cell phone may be limited,

since most of the traditional companies offer only year-long contracts that involve a credit check

and require a Social Security Number. Most require a substantial deposit of about $400 if you do

not have an established credit record in the U.S. (a process that takes time). Also, breaking a

long-term contract can result in a “de-activation fee” of about $200. Companies often require

customers to sign a two-year contract.

Many people who will not be living in the U.S. permanently prefer to get a local area cell phone

that offers free local calls and a contract that is month to month and doesn’t require a credit

check. In Denver, the “local area” is approximately the area along the Interstate 25 Freeway

corridor with the city of Longmont as the northern point and the city of Castle Rock as the

southern point. A calling card (purchased at stores in increments of $10, $20 or more) can be used

for long distance and international calls. Another option is to purchase a pre-paid cell phone plan

with no long-term contract requirements from and buy bundles of minutes that must be used

within a certain period of time. Although convenient, this option is more expensive, and you still

must buy a phone (pre-paid phones are usually sold at higher prices compared to contract

phones).

Be sure to compare various plans and to read the fine print of the service agreement so that you

know the advantages and disadvantages of each plan. The locations of the three largest providers

are listed below. Also, be sure to check the provider’s web sites.

T-Mobile

303-383-5900

www.t-mobile.com

Verizon Wireless

720-946-0102

www.verizon.com

AT&T

303-573-3200

www.att.com

For more advice on how to go about comparing cell phone plans:

www.cellphonefacts.com

www.wirelessguide.org

Section 5: Other Services

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Landlines

Before requesting wired (landline) phone service at your home, you will need to purchase

a telephone. Prices range from $15 to more than $250, depending on the type of phone.

To request local service, call CenturyLink, the regional telephone service provider, at

1-800-475-7526 or visit their website at www.centurylink.com. CenturyLink provides only

local service; to obtain long distance service telephone users must choose a long distance

carrier. You can choose between AT&T and Sprint as your long-distance provider. You can

reach AT&T via telephone at 1-800-222-0300 and Sprint at 1-800-877-4646 or via their

websites at www.att.com and www.sprint.com.

POSTAL SERVICE

To find the post office nearest you, go to www.usps.com or call 1-800-275-8777.

Pick-Up and Delivery

Mail is delivered to and picked up from residences Monday through Saturday, once daily.

If you live in a private apartment, you should have your name printed on your mailbox.

You can put mail you are sending out in your mailbox or in “outgoing mail” for the mail

carrier to pick up, deposit it in one of the many blue USPS mailboxes that are located

throughout the city, or take it to the Post Office. Packages weighing over 13 ounces (.40

grams) can only be sent from the Post Office.

Change of Address

If you move, you should submit a “Change of Address” form at your local Post Office to

ensure that your mail is delivered to you new address without interruption. If you move

frequently, it may be a good idea to rent a “post office box” to use as a permanent address.

This can be done by going to the Post Office, providing proof of your current residence,

filling out an application, and paying a small fee.

Mailing Parcels Overseas

Different countries have different

regulations governing the parcels they will

receive and handle in their mail. The

regulations concern such things as the

contents of the parcels, their weight, their

dimensions, and the manner in which they

must be wrapped. The Post Office has

information on the postal regulation of

various countries. To avoid delays, you may

wish to call or visit the Post Office and

request information about the

requirements for mailing any package you

wish to send out of the U.S.

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Section 6:

Transportation

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Denver has a reliable bus and Light Rail

system operated by the RTD (Regional

Transportation District).

Buses run on most main streets throughout the Denver metropolitan area. Schedule and fare

information is available on the RTD website at www.rtd-denver.com. The Trip Planner is a useful

tool on the RTD website that allows you to enter addresses or cross streets and then provides

detailed instructions with route numbers and times to help you get from place to place. Fares

vary, beginning at $2.60 for a local bus ride or a one-way light rail trip and increasing depending

on the trip type and length. University of Colorado students, faculty and staff can obtain the

College Pass (students) or Ecopass (employees) from the badging office which provides easy

access on public transportation.

BICYCLE

Denver has a large network of bicycle trails and designated bike lanes. Used bicycles are

advertised on Craigslist (www.craigslist.com) and may also be available in local second-hand or

pawn shops.

AUTOMOBILE

Driver’s License

If you are planning to drive a car here, you must have a Colorado driver’s license. Before taking

the driver’s license examination, you should study the Colorado Driver Handbook, a booklet

published by the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles. This booklet is available free of charge

and contains everything you need to know to pass the written part of the test. You can pick this

booklet up at any Driver’s License Department Office or access it online at www.colorado.gov/cs/

Satellite/Revenue-MV/RMV/1212657832969.

To get a Colorado driver’s license, you must go to a Driver’s License Office. You will need to show

proof of your legal status, including your passport and other documentation; proof of your

residence in Colorado, such as a signed lease or utility bills sent to your current address; and your

Social Security Card if you have one.

Automobile Registration

After purchasing a car, you must take all the necessary papers, such as the title and emissions test

results, to the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles to obtain license plates and registration.

You will be charged a fee based on the value of the car for your license plates. Renewal is

required annually.

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Emissions Testing

Your vehicle will have to pass an emissions test in order for you to renew your

registration for the second time (you do not need this the first time you renew). These

tests are offered at many locations throughout the city by Air Care Colorado. Their

website is located at www.aircarecolorado.com. Test fees are $25 as of 2012 for all

vehicles made after 1982. If your car is new (less than 5 years old), emissions testing

is not required.

Automobile Insurance

Colorado state law requires vehicle owners to have, at the very least, liability

insurance; you are financially responsible if you injure another person or damage

someone else’s property while operating your vehicle. You can decide to purchase

higher levels of insurance as well, usually called “comprehensive” and “collision.”

These levels of insurance will cover damage to you and your vehicle as well as cover

your liability to others. You can search the Internet for auto insurance providers.

There are many major providers, such as Allstate, State Farm, Farmers, and GEICO.

You can easily compare quotes from providers and select the plan that is best for you

by visiting www.progressive.com or a website similar to Progressive. Alternatively

someone you know and trust can recommend a reliable agent.

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THE U.S. HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

The health care system in the U.S. has two characteristics that distinguish it from many others in

the world.

First, it devotes considerable resources to prolonging the lives of people with serious illness or

unusual injuries. The cost of health care reflects the enormous investments in research,

medication, and technology that are required to make this type of care available.

Second, there is no general, government-supported system for paying individuals’ medical

costs. That is, there is no national medical care program or national insurance program.

The result of these and other factors is that medical costs in the U.S. are extremely high and the

individual must pay for his or her own medical care. Individuals can buy health and accident

insurance, which will pay some of their medical expenses. Only the most expensive health

insurance plans cover all of an individual’s medical expenses.

Need for Health Insurance

To avoid having to pay high medical bills that result from illness or injury (the cost of a few days of

hospital care can be tens thousands of dollars), you must have health insurance. Insurance works

by spreading the cost of medical care among a group of people, not all of whom will suffer injury

or illness that will result in medical bills.

Coverage Provided by Health Insurance

Health insurance does not cover all medical expenses. The coverage provided by different health

insurance policies varies. Each policy describes in detail what costs the policy covers and does not

cover. Be sure to read this information carefully. For example, if your policy does not cover

skiing-related injuries and you are injured while skiing you will have to pay for all of the medical

expenses related to your injury.

Students and scholars employed by the University can purchase health insurance through the

University for themselves and their families. Self-funded scholars will need to purchase insurance

through private carriers or through their home government.

Pre-Natal and Maternity Care

In the U.S., a woman usually goes to a doctor or to a clinic for regular checkups during her

pregnancy, and has the doctor deliver the baby in a hospital. The Health Center at Auraria, where

students at the DDC campus receive medical care, does not provide pre-natal care, but can refer a

patient to a doctor who can provide this care.

Section 7: Medical Care & Expenses

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BANKING SERVICES

There are three types of banking services available in Denver: full-service banks, savings

and loan associations, and credit unions. Their services are similar in that they all offer

savings and checking accounts and loans to qualified customers. The interest rates for these

services may be somewhat more competitive at credit unions and savings and loans, but

they generally vary only slightly. Banks offer additional services, such as safe-deposit boxes

and international currency exchanges.

Credit unions are member-owned non-profit financial institutions formed by an organized

group of people who are employed by a specific company or organization or who live in a

specific geographical area. Only those who belong to the group are eligible to become

members. Additionally, credit unions require that their members have a social security

number; banks often do not require a social security number.

MONEY MANAGEMENT TIPS

(Prepared by New Zealand student J. Ross Barnett and his wife, Pauline)

Budget carefully

You know how much your income and basic expenditures are, so pay all bills immediately at

the start of each month and you will know exactly how much you have left to spend.

Keeping track of expenditures in various categories (food, books, etc.) can help to pinpoint

areas of heavy spending which might surprise you. Done on a monthly basis, this can give

you quite an incentive to cut back your spending in certain areas.

Credit

For many of us, living in the U.S. may be our first exposure to credit on any scale. For those

of us who arrive here with few household possessions, it’s a life-saver, but beware of

over-extending yourself. Remember that you may be paying from 13 to 20 per cent in

interest per year on some accounts. It is sometimes useful to have a credit card but it may

be difficult to get the first card, since you don’t yet have a “credit rating” to indicate how

much of a risk you are to the creditor.

Buy used

Garage and yard sales advertised in newspapers are frequent events where you can buy

used appliances and household goods at very reasonable prices. Sell them the same way

when you leave. Consignment shops and second-hand stores also offer cheaper used

items. Look for those operated by charities, such as DAV or Goodwill.

Section 8: Money Management

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